Afra Alatas is Research Officer in the Regional Social and Cultural Studies Programme at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.
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Afra Alatas
Articles by Afra Alatas (10)
The Evil, Stupid and Arrogant in Malaysian Politics: Who is Jadong?
Afra Alatas|Norshahril Saat
A leading opposition figure in Malaysia has resorted to firing deprecatory epithets at the administration led by Anwar Ibrahim. The reality is that that the Malay portmanteau “jadong” could apply to politicians of all stripes.
Mahathir’s Broadside About Race: Time to Map Out a Coherent Vision
Norshahril Saat|Afra Alatas
Mahathir Mohamad’s controversial remarks about race relations in Malaysia has put the impetus on the incumbent administration to elucidate a coherent vision of Malayness and multiculturalism.
The Ba‘Alawi of Indonesia: Genealogy and Identity
Ahmad Muhajir|Afra Alatas
The debate in Indonesia about the origins of the Ba‘Alawi community reflects the fact that legitimacy is derived not only from lineage but social, historical and religious identity.
Anwar Ibrahim Welcomes Abdul Somad to Putrajaya: What Gives?
Mohd Faizal Musa|Afra Alatas
The Malaysian premier’s warm welcome to a controversial Indonesian preacher should have raised questions about the former’s commitment to moderate Islamic principles. That the visit did not cause more of a stir within Malaysian circles raises even more questions.
An ‘Islamic Lifestyle’: When Piety Meets Consumerism?
Afra Alatas|Nadirah Norruddin
The growing Muslim middle class’s appetite for consumer goods with halal and religious-inspired branding raises challenging questions about whether conspicuous consumption sits well with expressions of religiosity.